Polish astronaut Sławoski-Wiśniewski, six hundred kilometers above Earth, turned the International Space Station into a floating laboratory, where he would control computers with his own mind, plant volcanic algae, and test whether the tardigrade gene could help yeasts survive in harsh spaces.
As part of the European Space Agency’s IGNIS mission, Uznanski-Weskiski will conduct 13 cutting-edge experiments across human health, technological development, materials science and biotechnology, aiming to improve space exploration capabilities and improve life on Earth.
The most fascinating study is Photograv, which explores how astronauts can only operate computers using their own minds. The experiment uses near-infrared light to monitor brain activity related to attention and attention, potentially allowing crew members to control systems without physical movements, a function that may prove invaluable during complex operations in space.
“PhotongRav will study how the brain uses near-infrared light to control computers directly through the mind to monitor attention and attention without moving muscles,” ESA mission material said.
The human body faces many challenges in the field of microgravity. Several experiments will examine these effects, including the human gut microbiota, which investigate changes in digestion by analyzing bacteria in the astronaut system and Mollis Textus (Astroperermance) (Astropermance) and how this muscle and tendon adapt to weightlessness.
Mental health is equally important for astronauts facing isolation and stress. EEG neurofeedback experiments explore how brain stimulation reduces stress and improves performance, while AstromentalHealth tracks emotions throughout the task.
Technical experiments include Leopards, testing artificial intelligence, which can help wanderers navigate independently in other worlds without relying on Earth’s commands. Meanwhile, Rad-on-on-siss monitors radiation levels and its impact on electronic components, supporting the development of more difficult systems for future deep space missions.
In materials science, MXENE in LEO studies a promising nanomaterial and uses potential applications in wearable health monitoring technology that can support astronaut health and terrestrial health services.
Perhaps the most attractive thing is biotechnology experiments that can help humans become self-sufficient outside of the planet. Space volcanic algae tests whether elastic algae from volcanic regions can produce oxygen in space, a key component of future life support systems on the moon or Mars.
The stability of drug experiments investigated whether storing drugs in polymer carriers, similar to plastic packaging, can extend their shelf life in long-term tasks, thus solving major challenges in deep space exploration.
Finally, the yeast ligradegene explores yeast, enhanced by diving proteins, the giant “water bear” known for its extreme conditions of survival, which can thrive in space, with the potential to enable future astronauts to produce food and fuel far away from the planet.
These experiments represent a critical step in making longer, safer, and more sustainable human space flights, while developing technologies that may benefit everyday life in our homes.
Despite floating in orbit, Uznansky-Weskisky’s laboratory work is directly linked to the challenges we face on the planet, from improving healthcare services to developing sustainable food production and creating more resilient technologies for harsh environments.
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